The next Xbox console from Microsoft will require use of the Kinect motion sensor camera, according to an industry source.

The next Xbox console from Microsoft will require use of the Kinect motion sensor camera, according to an industry source.

The new gaming rig is set to get a major overhaul compared to the current Xbox 360, with the ability to run two games at once (saving their progress in one while a gamer switches to another), a completely redesigned controller, and a built-in Kinect device, according to a source calling himself SuperDaE, who spoke to Kotaku about the console.

Kinect being included is one thing, but the source stated that the console will not operate unless Kinect is turned on, making it a core part of the system, rather than just an accessory. That might be okay for most people, but rumours abound that the console will also require a constant internet connection to function, which may not go down so well.

Video game magazine Edge claims that the new console will feature a Blu-ray player and a 1.6GHz eight-core AMD processor. Apparently the system will allow game discs, despite fears that Microsoft was planning to go all digital, but the report suggests that there will be single-use activation codes, making the discs useless on the second-hand market.

Rival gaming firm Nintendo has already released its next-gen console, the Wii U, while the other heavyweight in the arena, Sony, is expected to unveil its PlayStation 4 next week. The Xbox 720 is not expected to be announced until this year's E3 in June.